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Abstract
This study examined the relationship between food insecurity and cost-related medication non-adherence in a population of low-income older adults in Georgia. This study used data from the Georgia Advanced Performance Outcomes Measures Project to evaluate new Older Americans Act Nutrition Program participants and waitlisted people (n = 1000, mean age 75.0 9.1 years, 68.4% women, 25.8% black). Food insecurity was assessed using the modified 6-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Practice of 5 CRN behaviors (e.g., delaying refills, skipping doses) was evaluated. Approximately 49.7% of participants were food insecure, while 44.4% had utilized 1 CRN strategy (CRN-P). Those who were food insecure and/or who reported CRN-P were more likely to be black, low-income, younger, and less educated. After controlling for confounders, food insecure participants were 2.9 (95% CI 2.2, 4.0) times more likely to report CRN-P. Improving food security is important for low-income older adults to promote adherence to recommended prescription regimens.